Breed: Calico
Owner: Micky Kahler - Sioux Falls, SD
She was a gift.
I came home one night in the summer of 2000. On our couch was a tiny little kitten, probably a few ounces in size, with a body full of grey fur that seemed too much for her tiny body. I was instantly in love and before my roommate/best friend could ask if I wanted her, I was hooked. That night she was so tired she fell asleep sitting up, and fell over on the couch. We gushed, we laughed,
and I knew that I’d received the best gift of my entire life. Fuzzy. Clumsy. A bit of a runt. Yup, this was
MY cat.
Reiley grew into her fur, although it was always a toss-up who had better bed head in the mornings, her or I. She adored her brother Scruffy, a white Maltese who loved to steal her cat food. We ended up having to put the food up higher, yet every day we’d catch Reiley knocking some food out of the bowl and down to her little cat-food-loving-friend. Partners in crime.
Later in life came Sadie, a little Rat Terrier. Although it wasn’t the smoothest start, Sadie introduced herself by grabbing Reiley’s tail and giving her a ride across the kitchen linoleum, they soon became fast friends.
Over the years Reiley has made me laugh, been a constant companion and the best
fuzzy friend anyone could ask for. Her sister Pan, the only other feline in her life, has made my life a
joy as well, and together we will get through the loss of our dear Reiley.
Thank you for a beautiful and unconditional friendship. Eighteen years of growing, changing, bonding and loving. You have never been just a pet, but a true companion and extension of my soul. You have taught me so many life lessons and I will forever dream of seeing you again at the
Rainbow Bridge. I will love you forever. 8-25-2018
Yes, she was certainly a gift.